Columbia Technology Ventures

Acupressure pressure point massage therapy device

Current treatment for chronic muscle pain as a result of disorders like fibromyalgia consists of medications and/or physical therapy, which can both be expensive and time-consuming. In-home therapeutic massage tools have gained in popularity, since they are self-administered and relatively in-expensive; however, these products are often ineffective at targeting specific pressure points for pain relief. This technology is a massage therapy device that targets pressure to pain trigger points. The technology provides an effective, low-cost, and self-administered means for treating chronic muscle pain, in addition to relieving stress and improving energy.

Self-treatment of chronic muscle pain allows for convenient, low-cost relief

This technology achieves the difficult task of pressure point targeting using a custom-designed massager. The unique multi-ball design of this technology facilitates self-acupressure application to target pain areas, as well as combined application against hard surfaces found in the home (e.g. wall, floor, chair, etc.) for enhanced acupressure. This technology allows for a safe means of self-care that may provide dramatic pain relief and improve quality of life with zero risk of side-effects.

A prototype of the technology has been manufactured and is ready for marketing.

Lead Inventor:

Marc Brodsky, M.D.

Applications:

  • Treatment of chronic pain from conditions such as fibromyalgia
  • Manual stimulation of pressure points to create innocuous means of self-administered pain care
  • Relief of stress in healthy individuals
  • Relief of muscle soreness after intense exercise

Advantages:

  • Low-cost
  • Self-administered
  • Non-pharmacological
  • Ease of use
  • Reduce need for therapy sessions
  • Reduce medical costs
  • More effective pressure application to trigger points than current massage balls

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (US 20130085426)

Tech Ventures Reference: IR CU12015

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